Gifts for 11-Year Old Boys

Gifts for 11-Year Old Boys

Nintendo Switch
The hottest gift of the 2017 Christmas season — this cool gaming system can be taken on the go for tabletop mode or connect it to your TV. You’ll get two Joy-Con controllers for multiple players. If you have kids who like gaming, this is a top gift choice.

The Ruins of Gorlan: Ranger’s Apprentice book 1 by John A. Flanagan
FANTASY
Will is apprenticed to become a Ranger, a job he’s unsure about. But as he develops a relationship with his master and learns what being a Ranger is all about (spying for the kingdom), and comes to embrace his new life. When an old enemy of the kingdom sends out dangerous beasts to attack Will’s master, Will is instrumental in getting help and killing the creatures. Action, fantasy, adventure, friendship, excellent writing — this book has it all! Ranger’s Apprentice is a must-read, mesmerizing epic fantasy.

Build molecules using the 50 atom set, then scan on your device to identify the molecules. Isn’t this a cool hand-on STEM gift for Christmas or any occasion?

LEGO Technic Extreme Adventure
How cool is this? Build this cool vehicle using the over 2,000 pieces to make a vehicle that can go on all sorts of terrains. it has a working suspension, front steering, and a v9 engine. But, it includes so much more — this is a great gift choice for builders who like to play.

LEGO Star Wars First Order DestroyerThe elaborate destroyer has so many intricate and authentic details including a working elevator, transparent-element engine, and a bridge with seating for the crew! Kids will have endless role play opportunities and the set makes an impressive display.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman FANTASY
This book is so well-written, it’s a modern children’s book classic. Bod lives in the graveyard with an assortment of ghosts and other cemetery creatures who raise him after his parents are killed when Bod is only a baby. Bod’s main guardian is Silas who cares for him, feeds, him, and teaches him about the human world. The ending is bittersweet (my daughter yelled at me for making her read a sad story) but perfect. Despite the scary sounding title, the scariest part is in the first chapter when Bod’s parents get murdered and I suspect most 5th graders can handle that part.

Happy Salmon
We LOVE this game — it’s such a blast!! Players call out the the actions shown on the card (such as high-five or pound it) and if two players match with each other, you both do the action and discard the cards. First one out of cards WINS.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
REALISTIC
On his way to visit his dad, 13-year-old Brian’s plan crashes in the Canadian wild. All alone with only a hatchet, he’s forced to grow up quickly in order to survive each harrowing day. Readers will quickly imagine themselves in Brian’s perilous situation. Award-winning, compelling narrative.

NFL Tabletops Game
Small 2″ plastic footballs with instructions for how to play tabletop football.

Laser Maze Logic GameIn this one player game, you’ll select one of 60 challenges that will spark your reasoning and planning skills in order to direct and split the laser beam to hit the right targets.

The Settlers of Catan
Players must roll and trade for resources to build roads, settlements, and cities for points. The first to ten points wins. It’s easy to learn but strategy requires some practice but 11 year olds can master this no problem.

The Monster Book of Sudoku for Kids by Will Shortz
Easy (number-based) sudoku puzzles for kids starting with 4 x 4 grids. These will keep your kids brains working hard — and maybe you, too if you want!

Mastermind
Two players. Strategy. Logic. Enthralling! (And was one of my favorites as a kid, too.)

Dragonwood
Collect sets of adventurer cards to earn dice, which you will use to roll against your foes. Stomp on some fire ants, shriek at a grumpy troll, or strike the menacing orange dragon with a magical silver sword. Choose your strategy carefully because the landscape of Dragonwood is ever-changing. Only the bravest will overcome the odds to emerge victorious! It may be hard to imagine, but Dragonwood, with its vast array of richly illustrated cards, started out looking much different than where it ended.

Lockwood & Co The Screaming Staircaseby Jonathan Stroud
In historical London, dangerous ghosts and spirits aren’t just stories — they’re real and murderous. But, only kids can see and fight these sectors. We follow the perilous adventures Anthony Lockwood who owns his own agency (with no adults in sight) to combat the supernatural with his teen team of Lucy and George. Creepy and exciting!

The Greatest Dot to Dot Book in the World by David Kalvitis
Want a challenge? Be warned — these are HARD dot to dot puzzles so it’s best for older kids. Also, they are fantastic for coloring in after you complete the puzzle.